Ruiz de Galarreta signs two-year contract extension
Ruiz de Galarreta signs two-year contract extension
The midfielder, who has made 74 appearances in the last two seasons (39 this campaign), has signed a new deal until 30 June 2027
Athletic Club central midfielder Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta has agreed a new two-year deal until 30 June 2027.
The midfielder, who first joined Lezama as an 11-year-old, has been outstanding since his return to Bilbao from RCD Mallorca two seasons ago, making 74 appearances for Los Leones.
Club president Jon Uriarte and director of football Mikel González were present as the academy graduate put pen to paper on his new contract.
Galarreta, 31, has played a major role in Ernesto Valverde's system since returning to San Mames, providing balance, vision and character in midfield.
Galarreta said he was "very happy to be able to extend this dream for another two years".
He continued: "Everything I've experienced on my return home has been amazing and we're looking forward to what's to come.
"Not long ago I was playing in the second division, which is also very difficult and I valued it a lot, and next season I'll be listening to the Champions League anthem on the San Mamés pitch, something I could never have imagined."
Mikel González described Iñigo as a "fundamental player in our tactical system".
"He has been essential in helping us achieve our objectives in these last two seasons," he added.
"He's very intelligent, always dictates the tempo and the different phases of the match, makes good decisions and makes the team more organised. Moreover, he's an example for those players coming through in terms of professionalism and attention to detail. A respected and much-loved player."
Last season, Iñigo made 39 official appearances in LaLiga, the Copa and Europa League, providing four assists and establishing himself as a key player in terms of organising play and helping bring the ball out from the back.
A native of Eibar, he made his first-team debut in 2011 and, after a period of growth in various top clubs such as CD Mirandés, Real Zaragoza, FC Barcelona, UD Las Palmas and RCD Mallorca, Iñigo returned to Bilbao with proven experience and was instrumental in helping Athletic win the much-longed for 25th Copa.
This renewal is in line with the club's contract policy of combining a balanced salary structure and performance-based bonuses.